US police officer in Breonna Taylor death sentenced to 33 months in prison
Al Jazeera6 days
Ex-Officer Gets 33 Months for Breonna Taylor Civil Rights Violation
Above: Brett Hankison (R) in court on Oct. 30, 2023, with his attorneys for the beginning of the federal trial related to the shooting of Breonna Taylor. Image copyright: Taylor Six/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The sentence represents a small step toward justice but falls far short of what Taylor's family deserved. The Justice Department's recommendation of one day in prison was an insult that sent a dangerous message about accountability for police misconduct against Black Americans. This case highlights the ongoing struggle for meaningful police reform and racial justice.
Republican narrative
Hankison's conviction and sentencing demonstrate that the justice system worked appropriately. The officer didn't kill Taylor and was responding to a chaotic situation where his fellow officers were under fire. The lengthy legal process already provided sufficient accountability for his actions during the raid.